The Ultimate Guide to the Best Places to Eat Near Edinburgh Zoo 🍽️

Discover the Top Restaurants and Cafes in the Area

Edinburgh Zoo is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. After a long day of exploring the zoo, visitors often feel hungry and look for the best places to eat nearby. Fortunately, there are plenty of fantastic options for foodies in the area. From traditional Scottish cuisine to international flavors, you’ll find something to satisfy your cravings. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to eat near Edinburgh Zoo. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a fancy dinner, you’ll find it here. Let’s dig in!

Introduction

Edinburgh Zoo is a must-visit attraction for animal lovers and families with kids. The zoo is home to over 1,000 animals, including pandas, tigers, penguins, and monkeys. It’s located in the Corstorphine area of the city, which is on the west side. The zoo covers 82 acres and has been open since 1913. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities at the zoo, such as animal encounters, daily talks, and feeding sessions. However, all that exploring can make you work up an appetite. Luckily, there are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and food trucks in the area that offer delicious meals and snacks.

The Best Places to Eat Near Edinburgh Zoo

If you’re looking for the best places to eat near Edinburgh Zoo, you’re in luck. There are plenty of options for foodies, from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants. Here are our top picks:

1. The Kilted Lobster 🦞

The Kilted Lobster is a seafood restaurant located in Stockbridge, which is just a 10-minute drive from Edinburgh Zoo. The restaurant focuses on using the freshest, locally sourced seafood in their dishes. The menu changes regularly but always features a variety of seafood dishes, such as grilled langoustines, pan-seared scallops, and of course, lobster. The atmosphere is cozy and intimate, making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or special occasion.

FAQ: What is the price range at The Kilted Lobster?

The prices at The Kilted Lobster vary depending on the dish, but expect to pay around £30-£40 per person for a starter and main course.

2. The Pantry 🍳

The Pantry is a quaint cafe and bakery located in Stockbridge, just a 10-minute drive from Edinburgh Zoo. The cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea, with a focus on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu features classic dishes such as full Scottish breakfast, eggs Benedict, and avocado toast. The bakery offers a range of cakes, croissants, and pastries, as well as gluten-free and vegan options.

FAQ: Does The Pantry have outdoor seating?

Yes, The Pantry has a small outdoor seating area that’s perfect for enjoying a coffee or a bite to eat on a sunny day.

3. Rollo 🍴

Rollo is a modern European restaurant located in Stockbridge, just a 10-minute drive from Edinburgh Zoo. The restaurant has a relaxed and cozy atmosphere, with exposed brick walls and low lighting. The menu features a range of dishes, from Scottish venison to Spanish-style octopus. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, with options from all over the world.

FAQ: Is Rollo child-friendly?

While Rollo welcomes families with children, the restaurant has a more formal atmosphere, so it may not be the best choice for very young children.

4. Gannet & Guga 🍔

Gannet & Guga is a food truck that’s located just outside Edinburgh Zoo. The food truck serves up delicious burgers made with locally sourced, grass-fed beef, as well as vegetarian and vegan options. The burgers are cooked to order and come with a range of toppings and sauces. The food truck also offers sides such as fries and onion rings.

FAQ: What is the price range at Gannet & Guga?

The prices at Gannet & Guga are very reasonable, with burgers starting at around £6.

5. The Garden Bistro 🌿

The Garden Bistro is a casual cafe located inside the Royal Botanic Garden, which is just a 15-minute drive from Edinburgh Zoo. The cafe offers indoor and outdoor seating, with views of the beautiful gardens. The menu features a range of dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, such as soups, salads, and sandwiches. They also offer a range of cakes and pastries, as well as hot and cold drinks.

FAQ: What are the opening hours of The Garden Bistro?

The opening hours of The Garden Bistro vary depending on the season, but it’s usually open from 10 am to 5 pm.

6. The Huxley 🍸

The Huxley is a stylish bar and restaurant located in the West End, which is just a 15-minute drive from Edinburgh Zoo. The restaurant has a modern, industrial-chic decor, with exposed brick walls and high ceilings. The menu features a range of dishes, from Scottish scallops to braised beef cheek. The bar offers a range of cocktails, wine, and craft beer.

FAQ: Does The Huxley have a dress code?

While The Huxley doesn’t have a strict dress code, the restaurant has a more formal atmosphere, so it’s best to dress smart-casual.

7. The Walnut 🌰

The Walnut is a cozy cafe and bakery located in the heart of Corstorphine, just a 5-minute walk from Edinburgh Zoo. The cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea, with a focus on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu features classic dishes such as eggs Benedict, pancakes, and sandwiches. The bakery offers a range of cakes, scones, and pastries, as well as gluten-free and vegan options.

FAQ: Does The Walnut have free Wi-Fi?

Yes, The Walnut offers free Wi-Fi to customers.

8. The Scran & Scallie 🍴

The Scran & Scallie is a gastropub located in Stockbridge, just a 10-minute drive from Edinburgh Zoo. The pub has a cozy and relaxed atmosphere, with a focus on using locally sourced ingredients. The menu features a range of classic pub dishes, such as fish and chips, as well as more refined dishes such as venison tartare. The pub also has an extensive drinks menu, with a range of craft beer, wine, and cocktails.

FAQ: Is The Scran & Scallie pet-friendly?

Yes, The Scran & Scallie welcomes well-behaved dogs in the bar area.

9. The Caffeine Drip ☕

The Caffeine Drip is a trendy cafe located in Stockbridge, just a 10-minute drive from Edinburgh Zoo. The cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and coffee, with a focus on using locally sourced ingredients. The menu features classic dishes such as avocado toast and bacon rolls, as well as more creative options such as Korean fried chicken bao buns. The cafe also offers a range of specialty coffee drinks.

FAQ: Does The Caffeine Drip have vegan options?

Yes, The Caffeine Drip has a range of vegan options, such as vegan sausage rolls and vegan sandwiches.

10. The Stockbridge Restaurant 🍽️

The Stockbridge Restaurant is a fine dining restaurant located in Stockbridge, just a 10-minute drive from Edinburgh Zoo. The restaurant has a romantic and intimate atmosphere, with candlelit tables and soft music. The menu features a range of dishes, from venison carpaccio to scallop risotto. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, with options from all over the world.

FAQ: What is the dress code at The Stockbridge Restaurant?

The Stockbridge Restaurant has a smart-casual dress code, so it’s best to avoid sportswear and flip-flops.

11. The Roseleaf 🍹

The Roseleaf is a quirky bar and restaurant located in Leith, just a 20-minute drive from Edinburgh Zoo. The bar has a fun and colorful decor, with mismatched furniture and vintage wallpaper. The menu features a range of dishes, from hearty breakfasts to burgers and salads. The bar also offers a range of cocktails, wine, and craft beer.

FAQ: Does The Roseleaf have gluten-free options?

Yes, The Roseleaf has a range of gluten-free options, such as gluten-free burgers and sandwiches.

12. The Kitchin 🍴

The Kitchin is a Michelin-starred restaurant located in Leith, just a 20-minute drive from Edinburgh Zoo. The restaurant